TWI626063B - Positive-displacement needleless access connector and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A positive displacement needleless connector comprising a housing having a female luer fitting, a base having a male luer fitting and a valve member having a proximal end that creates a seal in the housing, An interval and a distal end fixed to the base to vent the interval; the base and the valve member are coupled to each other to produce an assembly having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

Description

Positive displacement needleless connector and manufacturing method thereof

The present disclosure relates to a needleless connector, and more particularly to a positive displacement needleless connector.

Modern medical treatment often requires a medical professional to introduce fluids from or withdraw fluid from a patient. For example, a patient may need a treatment that requires a medical professional to separately withdraw urine or blood from the urethra or vein. Conversely, a medical professional may need to introduce a drug or nutrient into a patient's vein (ie, intravenously). In order to create a fluid flow path into or from a patient, one of the methods requires a medical practitioner to use a catheter, wherein one end of the catheter is inserted into the patient. The other end of the catheter is connected to an intravenous bag (IV bag) via an IV wire. A needleless connector uses a valve that allows a medical practitioner to not remove or add to the catheter (eg, an IV bag). An embodiment of a needleless connector is shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the now needleless connector 100. The needleless connector 100 includes a housing 120 having a female luer fitting 101 at a proximal end, a base 130 having a male luer fitting 102 at a distal end, and a valve element 103 positioned therein Inside the outer casing 120 and on the top end of the base 130. The outer casing 120 and the base 130 are made of a rigid plastic (usually polycarbonate), and the valve element The piece 103 is made from liquid polyfluorene, so that it is elastic and foldable. When in use, the male luer fitting 102 is coupled to, for example, a catheter or female luer, and the female luer fitting 101 is coupled to a fluid reservoir (eg, an IV bag) or a male luer. The female luer fitting 101 is coupled to the fluid reservoir via a second male luer fitting 106 (which has a hollow member (as shown in Figure IB) and inserted through the top end of the female luer fitting 101). The insertion of the male luer 106 folds the valve element 103 down into the volume 104 to break the seal and create a fluid flow path. FIG. 1B shows the foldable valve member 103 in a folded position after the male luer 106 is inserted into the female luer 101. The male luer 106 delivers fluid (e.g., from an IV bag) that flows around the valve member 103 into the passageway in the male luer fitting 102 and into the conduit or female luer.

A gap (or spacing, no display) is placed within the valve element 103, which is filled with air. The needleless connector 100 is a positive displacement device such that when a new connection is made at the female luer fitting 101, the device 100 draws fluid from the male side of the valve (i.e., adjacent the side of the male luer fitting 102). . When disconnected at the female luer fitting 101, the device 100 pushes fluid from the female edge (i.e., the side adjacent the top end of the female luer fitting 101). An advantage of positive displacement is that when disconnected, device 100 discharges fluid from male luer fitting 102 and effectively flushes the conduit. In contrast, some devices on the market today have a negative displacement such that when the male luer (e.g., male luer 106) is disconnected, the device draws a small amount of liquid from the male luer 102 side. When inhaling fluid from the male luer 102 attached to the catheter of the venous patient, blood may be drawn into the lumen of the catheter, and if the blood remains in the lumen of the catheter, it may condense into pieces and cause health to the patient. problem. The positive displacement connector pushes the fluid out when the male luer (eg, male Luer 106) is disconnected from the needleless connector, and The collapsible valve is moved from its folded state to its unfolded state to avoid this problem. Fluid cleaning (from the positive displacement connector) helps prevent blood from entering the catheter tip, thus preventing clotting/contamination and, therefore, blood flow infection.

In operation, when the female end of the needle-free connector 100 is picked up by the male luer (Fig. 1B), the valve element 103 is sufficiently resilient that it can bend out of the path allowing flow and then at the female end After disconnection, return to its original shape. Thus, the needleless connector 100 itself reseals and forms a flat surface that can be sterilized at the top surface 110 using an alcohol swab.

Prior to connecting the device to, for example, a catheter using the needleless connector 100, the needleless connector 100 will contain some air. This air is removed prior to use of the needleless connector 100 with the catheter because otherwise it can be pumped into the patient and cause injury to the patient. Generally, to remove this air, the medical practitioner reverses the needleless connector and attaches the syringe containing the saline to the needleless connector. The salt solution is then pushed through the needleless connector, thus expelling air from the connector. (This method is known as priming, and the minimum volume of liquid required to remove all air from the needleless connector is known as the perfusion volume.) Some medical practitioners prefer to have a smaller perfusion volume. The needle-free connector is used to reduce the delay in drug delivery.

After the needleless connector is infused, the medical practitioner typically connects the male end 102 to the catheter (no display). The medical practitioner connects the male luer (no display) from the IV bag to the needleless connector. For example, a medical practitioner connects the end of the syringe 106 to the female luer fitting 101. As shown in Figure 1B.

The connector housing 120, the base mentioned in the needleless connector 100 The shape of the seat 130 and the valve element 103. The valve element 103 has a flange 105 which is a portion having an outer diameter greater than the body of the valve element 103. The outer casing 120 has a shoulder 107 that is similar to the flange 105. When assembled, the flange 105 is securely seated between the base 130 and the shoulder 107, thus creating a seal between the flange 105 and the base 130. The reason for the sealing is such that air in the space can be discharged without air entering the fluid flow path from the male luer 106 to the male luer 102. Although not shown herein, there are two vent holes (which allow air in and out) in the y-axis direction extending from the threaded portion of the base 130 to the spacing of the valve member 103, the interval being compressed as the valve member 103 and Not mixed with fluid without compression. Once assembled, the outer casing 120 and the base 130 are in close contact at the interface 115.

The flange 105 increases the overall width of the valve element 103, and the connector 100 allows fluid to flow around the flange 105, thus causing the connector 100 to tamper itself. As a result, the connector 100 can appear large when compared to a catheter (not shown), particularly when the connector 100 is placed against the newborn's skin. A typical use of the connector 100 is to tape the catheter to the patient's skin at a location near the catheter coupled to the connector 100. However, the shape of the jaws of the connector 100 can cause the connector 100 to be placed uncomfortably against the skin. Additionally, the width of the connector 100 can result in a large perfusion volume.

A number of specific examples include connectors having valve elements secured to the base. For example, in one embodiment, the embodiment valve element is flush with the base, with the two members mating. In another embodiment, the base and valve member are coupled to each other to create a combination having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

A number of specific examples reduce or eliminate the flange so that the width of the valve element and the connector as a whole can be reduced (when compared to the solution previously shown in Figures 1A and 1 B), to eliminate the flange and to place the valve Embodiment techniques for securing the component to the base include the use of a snap fit that mates the valve component to the base, although other embodiments may use other techniques. Other specific examples include a method of manufacturing a connector.

The features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the <RTIgt; Other features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modification or design of other structures. It is also to be understood by those skilled in the art that this equivalent structure does not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features of the present invention (such as both its organization and method of operation) will be better understood from the following description (when considered in connection with the accompanying figures) along with further objects and advantages. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are in the

100‧‧‧ Needle-free connector

101‧‧‧Female Ruhr Accessories

102‧‧‧Gold Ruhr Accessories

103‧‧‧Valve components

104‧‧‧ volume

105‧‧‧Flange

106‧‧‧Second male Luer accessories

107‧‧‧ shoulder

110‧‧‧ top surface

115‧‧‧ interface

120‧‧‧Shell

130‧‧‧Base

200‧‧‧ Needle-free connector

210‧‧‧Base

211‧‧‧ surface

212‧‧‧Air vents

213‧‧‧End flow channel

220‧‧‧ valve components

221‧‧‧ interval

230‧‧‧ Shell

231‧‧‧Female Ruhr Accessories

232‧‧ Thread

233‧‧‧ surface

234‧‧‧ shoulder

250‧‧‧Interlocked male/female accessories

401‧‧‧Gold Ruhr Accessories

402‧‧‧Female Ruhr Accessories

403‧‧‧Flow channel

404‧‧‧Threaded compartment

501‧‧‧ single channel

700‧‧‧Connector

710‧‧‧Base

730‧‧‧ Shell

800‧‧‧ method

801, 802, 803‧‧‧ blocks

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which the following description and associated drawings, FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. Figure 1B shows the foldable position after the male luer is inserted into the female luer. Valve element.

2A and 2B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector that accommodates a particular example in accordance with the present invention.

3A and 3B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector that accommodates a particular example in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a typical connector according to one embodiment when in use.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a typical connector adapted to rotate a ninety degree section of Figures 2A, 2B and 3A, 3B.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a typical connector that is based on a combination of specific examples and ready for use.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a typical connector adapted to a specific example.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a typical method for making a positive displacement needleless connector in accordance with one embodiment.

2A and 2B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector 200 that is adapted to one embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a cross-sectional view, but FIG. 2B shows the exterior of the connector 200.

The connector 200 has three basic parts, a base 210, a valve element 220, and a housing (such as the outer casing 230). The outer casing 230 has a first luer fitting, such as a female luer fitting 231, at the proximal end (which is attached, for example, to a fluid reservoir, such as an IV bag). The base 210 and the threads 232 form a second luer fitting at the distal end of the connector 200, such as a male luer fitting that is connected to, for example, a patient Connected conduits. Valve element 220 includes a space 221 that can be filled with air and vented to the atmosphere when compressed and uncompressed, as explained in more detail below.

3A and 3B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector 200 that accommodates a particular embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 3A is a cross-sectional view, while FIG. 3B shows the exterior of the connector 200, and both FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the base 210 has been secured to the valve member 220.

In this particular example, base 210 and valve element 220 are coupled together using an internal lock male/female fitting 250 (referred to herein as a snap fit for convenience). The top end of the valve member 220, which is the female portion of the snap fitting 250, is made sufficiently small to have a tight, sealed compression at a corresponding portion of the base 210 that forms the male portion of the snap fitting 250. In many embodiments, the seal at the snap fitting 250 is airtight (at least at normal operating temperatures and pressures) to maintain air and fluid separation in the connector 200. During manufacture, the base 210 and valve element 220 can be secured by pushing or pushing them together by hand or by machine. In some embodiments, about one pound of force is sufficient to make a connection and about two pounds is sufficient to break the connection, although multiple specific examples may vary.

Although FIGS. 3A and B show a snap fitting 250, the scope of the specific examples is not so limited. For example, other specific examples may use different types of fixed fittings, such as a threaded combination or other fitting.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer surfaces of the base 210 and valve member 220 are flush at the snap fitting 250. For real-world devices, it is to be understood that the outer surfaces of valve element 220 and base 210 will be less precisely flush, but in some specific examples, some tolerances (eg, about 2%) is acceptable. Accordingly, the connector 200 replaces the flange of the conventional positive displacement device (e.g., the flange 105 of FIG. 1A) with the snap fitting 250 and the outer surface shown flush in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Thus, the shape of the valve element 220 has a narrower appearance and can be used in a narrower appearance connector.

The base 210 is secured to the valve member 220 to form a combination that fits into the outer casing 230. The connector 200 mates the base 210 with the outer casing 230 using a slightly "v" shaped fitting. The complementary surfaces 211 and 233 are substantially v-shaped, but have a slight curvature and are disposed together to properly hold the base 210 when the base 210 is inserted into the outer casing 230. When inserted into the base 210, the complementary surfaces 211, 233 are automatically aligned with the base 210 in line with respect to the outer casing 230, acting as a cam. Thus, if the pedestal 210 is inserted at any arbitrary number of angles from the straight line, the complementary surfaces 211, 233 (once contacted) will transfer the susceptor 210 into position. As a result, the base 210 is accurately seated, and after the close, when the end flow passage 213 is connected to the male luer output of the base 210, the air vent 212 will be able to vent to the atmosphere.

In this specific example, the end flow passage 213 and the air venting opening 212 are perpendicular to each other. Thus, one of the two air vents 212 is shown in Figure 3B, however the end flow channel 213 is shown in cross section in Figure 3A. Flow and exhaust are shown in more detail in Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a typical connector 200 in accordance with one embodiment. In FIG. 4, the flow system is transferred from the male luer connector 401 (which engages the female luer fitting 231) via the outer casing 230, through the male luer output of the base 210, and into the female luer fitting 402. This embodiment may include transferring fluid from the IV bag (not shown) into the patient's bloodstream. When shown in Figure 4 While shown to flow into a patient, it is to be understood that various embodiments of the invention also facilitate fluid flow from the patient.

When there is no connection at the female luer fitting 231, the valve element 220 creates a seal at the proximal end of the female luer fitting 231 and at the shoulder 234. This seal prevents fluid from flowing through the connector 200 when not in use. Likewise, the seal at the proximal end of the fitting 231 creates a wipeable Hush surface. The seal at the proximal end of the female luer fitting 231 and at the shoulder 234 is shown in FIG.

During use, the male luer fitting 401 folds the valve element 220 and breaks the seal at the shoulder 234 and at the proximal end of the fitting 231. Fluid then flows freely around valve element 220 and through outer casing 230 via proximal flow passage 403 (which forms the interior surface of outer casing 230). The tightness at the surfaces 211, 233 blocks the fluid so that the fluid flows around the v-shape and into the end flow channel 213, wherein the fluid is directed through the male luer output of the susceptor 210. Air from the space 221 is vented to the atmosphere via the air vents 212 and into the threaded compartment 404 (which is part of the male luer fitting formed by the base 210 and the outer casing 230). The air passage is defined by the venting opening 212 and the interior surface of the outer casing 230, and the sealing at the surfaces 211, 233 creates a seal that maintains the air flow separate from the fluid flow. The threaded bay 404 is not airtight (even when engaged with the female component 402), thus allowing the spacing 221 to communicate with the surrounding atmosphere when the valve element 220 is compressed (as in Figure 4) or uncompressed.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a typical connector 200 according to one embodiment, rotated ninety degrees from the cross-section of Figures 2A, 2B and 3A, 3B. Note that in Fig. 5, the air passage from the interval 221 to the atmosphere is shown. The air passage includes a single exhaust hole 501 (formed in the base 210) and a vent hole 212. single row The air vent 501 and the venting opening 212 form a substantially "Y" shaped air passage. This is compared to the previous design (no display) which includes two or more separate vents formed in the y-axis direction ("axial") that connect the atmosphere directly to the gap.

During conventional manufacturing techniques, injection molding techniques are used, and the use of long, thin pins into the mold cavity (when the material is hot) produces two or more separate vents. When the mold is opened, the long, thin plug is removed to form two or more separate vents. However, long, thin plugs have a tendency to break during use. The general rule is that the shorter and thicker plugs last longer.

In contrast, the susceptor 210 has relatively short and short venting holes 212 that can be formed in the mold by correspondingly shaped metal sheets. The air passage has a triangular widening from the central axis to the outer surface of the base 210 in each of the exhaust holes 212. Correspondingly shaped metal sheets (not shown) are longer and thinner than conventional techniques, and therefore less susceptible to breakage. The single channel 501 is made opposite and placed in a portion of the base 210 (which corresponds to the male portion of the snap fitting 250). Again, because the single channel 501 does not have to traverse the entire length from the spacing 221 to the threaded compartment 404, it avoids clamping the fluid flow path. In addition, the single channel 501 is not made with any long, thin pins.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a typical connector 200 that is combined and ready for use in accordance with one embodiment. The outer casing 230 can be made of a material including polycarbonate, polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The outer casing 230 includes a female luer fitting 231 that conforms to ISO standard 594 in some specific examples. Similarly, in some embodiments, the male luer configuration at the distal end of the outer casing 230 and with the base 210 conforms to ISO standard 594. Valve element 220 is disposed in the outer casing The inside of 230 can be made of an elastic material such as polyoxyxene rubber which is deformable and biocompatible.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a typical connector 700 adapted to a specific example. The connector 700 is similar to the connector 200 (eg, Figures 2-6), but the housing 730 is mated with the base 710 using slots and key assemblies instead of the v-shaped fittings of the features in the connector 200. In the slot and key configuration, the base 710 has protrusions (keys) sized to fit into slots in the inner surface of the outer casing 730 (or vice versa). During manufacture, the base 710 and valve element 220 are inserted into the housing 730 and rotated until the slot mates with the key. Then, the base 710 is brought into close contact with the outer casing 730. The scope of the specific examples is not limited to slots and key fittings or v-shaped fittings, and various techniques for mating the base and the outer casing may be used in various embodiments.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a typical method 800 for fabricating a positive displacement needleless connector, according to one embodiment. Method 800 can be performed, for example, by a human and/or one or more machines.

In block 801, the distal end of the valve member is secured to the proximal end of the base. The securing creates a seal between the valve member and the base that separates the spacing from the fluid flow path between the first and second luer fittings. Block 801 produces a combination comprising a valve element and a mating pedestal (such as shown in Figure 3A). In one embodiment, the valve element and base are mated using snap fittings, although other securing techniques may be used in other embodiments.

In block 802, the valve element and base are disposed within the housing. For example, a v-shaped fitting (such as shown in Figures 3A and 3B that automatically aligns the base to the housing) can be used, although other accessories (such as keys and inserts can be used) groove). When the valve and base are disposed within the housing, the proximal end of the valve element creates one or more seals at the proximal end of the housing.

In block 803, the base and outer casing are permanently secured. A variety of techniques can be used in block 803, such as ultrasonic welding, coating adhesives, and the like. In this embodiment, the base and the outer casing are tightly disposed together to create a seal that separates the air discharge path from the fluid flow path after the base is permanently secured to the outer casing. A plurality of specific examples are not limited to the method shown in FIG. 8, such that various effects can be added, omitted, rearranged, or modified.

Some specific examples may have one or more advantages over previous solutions. In one aspect, the flange reduction valve elements of Figures 1A and 1B and the overall size of the sequential connectors are eliminated. Connectors with smaller volumes are generally expected to have a smaller perfusion volume, as such, which reduces fluid and waste and can be more visually appealing to health care professionals. Additionally, certain embodiments have a reduced overall width that is generally more comfortable for the patient when approaching the connector to secure the catheter to the skin.

Having described the invention and its advantages in detail, it is understood that various modifications, substitutions and changes may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositions, components, methods and steps described in the patent specification. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions, components, methods, or steps of the present invention, which are present or later developed, may be used in accordance with the present invention, as described herein. Corresponding specific examples substantially perform the same function or substantially achieve the same result. this In addition, the scope of the appended claims is intended to include within the scope of such a process, machine, manufacture, composition, component, method or step.

All of the elements, parts and steps described herein are preferred. It is to be understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be substituted or deleted entirely by other elements, parts and steps, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Broadly speaking, this document discloses a positive displacement needleless connector that includes a housing having a female luer fitting, a base having a male luer fitting, and a valve member having a A proximal end of the seal is formed in the outer casing, a space is defined, and a distal end is secured to the base to discharge the gas of the space; the base and the valve member are coupled to each other to produce a combination having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

concept

This document has revealed at least the following concepts.

Concept 1. A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a female luer fitting; a base having a male luer fitting; and a valve member having a proximal end that creates a seal in the housing And a spacing and a distal end of the gas secured to the base to discharge the spacing, the base and the valve member being coupled to each other to produce a combination having a maximum outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

Concept 2. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 1, wherein the distal end of the valve member is secured to the base using a snap mechanism.

Concept 3. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, wherein the outer casing is coupled to the base using a "v" shaped fitting.

Concept 4. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, wherein the housing is coupled to the base using a key and a socket fitting.

Concept 5. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, includes a "Y" shaped exhaust path from the spacing to the distal end of the base.

Concept 6. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 5, wherein the "Y" shaped exhaust path includes a triangular branch.

Concept 7. A positive displacement needleless connector, comprising: a housing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof; a base having a second luer fitting at a distal end thereof; and a valve An element having a proximal end to create a seal at the first luer fitting and secured to the base such that a surface of the valve element is substantially flush with the surface of the base.

Concept 8. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 7, wherein the housing and the base have corresponding mating surfaces.

Concept 9. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 8, wherein the corresponding mating surface comprises a v-shaped cam surface.

Concept 10. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 8, wherein the corresponding mating surface includes a socket and a key fitting.

Concept 11. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 7, wherein the housing, valve member and base define a fluid flow path from the first luer fitting to the second luer fitting.

Concept 12. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 11, wherein the valve member includes a space, and the valve member defines a gas passage connecting the space to the atmosphere.

Concept 13. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 12, wherein the air passage is sealed from the fluid flow path.

Concept 14. A positive displacement needleless connector, comprising: a housing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof; a base having a second luer fitting at a distal end thereof; and a valve An element having a proximal end to create a seal at the first luer fitting and secured to the proximal end of the base using an interlocking snap fit.

Concept 15. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 14, wherein the spaced air passage from the valve member includes a single path axially disposed in a portion of the base forming the snap fitting portion.

Concept 16. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 15, wherein the air passage further includes a branch from the single path to the atmosphere.

Concept 17. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 16, wherein the branch is a triangle.

Concept 18. A method of combining a needle-free connector, the needle-free connector comprising a housing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof and a base having a second Lu at a distal end thereof And a valve member having a spacing and a proximal end that produces a first seal at the first luer fitting, the method comprising: securing a distal end of the valve member to a proximal end of the base, Forming a second seal between the valve member and the base that separates the spacing from the fluid flow path between the first and second luer fittings, wherein the valve member is flush with the outer surface of the base, wherein The outer surface is in contact; and the valve element and the base are disposed within the outer casing.

Concept 19. The method of Concept 18, wherein securing the distal end of the valve member to the proximal end of the base comprises: pushing the interlocking snap fitting together.

Concept 20. The method of Concept 18, further comprising: permanently securing the base to the outer casing.

Claims (20)

A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a proximal end configured with a first luer fitting; a valve member having a proximal end, a distal end and a spacing; and a base a distal end of the second luer fitting, a proximal end fixed to one of the distal ends of the valve element, a venting opening and a flow passage; wherein the base and the housing have corresponding a v-shaped mating surface such that when the base is secured to the valve member and the housing, (i) an air passage is defined between the gap, the vent and the atmosphere, and a flow path is Defining between the first luer fitting, the flow passage and the second luer fitting, and (ii) the v-shaped mating surfaces direct the flow path from the first luer fitting to the flow passage in. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the venting port is fluidly isolated from the fluid channel by the v-shaped mating surfaces. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the valve element produces a seal in the first luer fitting. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein one of the outer surfaces of the valve member is substantially flush with an outer surface of the base. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the base is secured to the distal end of the valve member using an interlocking snap fit. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 5, wherein the air passage A single path is provided that is axially disposed within a portion of the base that forms part of the snap fit. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 6 wherein the air channel further comprises a branch from the single path to the atmosphere. The positive displacement pinless connector of claim 7 wherein the branches are triangular. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the vent includes at least one branch that is broadened along the air passage. A positive displacement needleless connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein the air passage comprises a triangular widening. A positive displacement needleless connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the triangular widening is widened along the air passage from the valve member to a portion of the atmosphere. A positive displacement needleless connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the triangular widening is widened from a central axis of the base to an outer surface of the base. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the maximum outer diameter of one of the base and the valve member is less than an inner diameter of the housing. A method of manufacturing a positive displacement needleless connector, the method comprising: providing a housing having a proximal end configured with a first luer fitting; having a flow channel and a distal end configured with a second luer fitting a base member having a distal end and a proximal end, the housing and the base including a corresponding v-shaped mating surface; the distal end of the valve member being secured to the base a proximal end; coupling the valve element and the base to the housing such that (i) the valve element The proximal end of the piece creates a seal at the first luer fitting, and (ii) a flow path is defined between the first luer fitting and the second luer fitting, wherein the flow path is A v-shaped mating surface is routed from the first luer fitting into the flow channel. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of coupling the valve member and the base to the housing further comprises defining an air passage between one of the valve members and an exhaust port of the base, wherein The venting holes are fluidly isolated from the flow passage by the v-shaped mating surfaces. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of securing the distal end of the valve member to the proximal end of the base further comprises coupling an interlocking snap fitting together. The method of claim 16, wherein the air passage further comprises a single path axially disposed within the base to form a portion of a portion of the snap fit. The method of claim 17, wherein the air channel further comprises a branch from the single path to the atmosphere. The method of claim 18, wherein the air channel further comprises a triangular portion of the branches. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of coupling the valve member and the base within the housing further comprises permanently securing the base to the housing.